WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (August 28, 2014) – Monster Stomp™ on Ripper Row® returns to Busch Gardens® Howl-O-Scream® this season after a three-year absence. This all-new show takes the best of Monster Stomp's previous iterations and overlays state-of-the-art special effects for an unmatched audio-visual experience inspired by Jack the Ripper's Victorian-era rampage in London's East End.

Monster Stomp on Ripper Row is a much darker production this year. The musical revue retains signature elements that fans of previous shows enjoyed. The dance of the skeletons returns this year as well as a selection of classic songs that made Monster Stomp a hit with guests when it debuted in 2002. Percussionists also play a central role in the production. A four-person drum line creates a driving beat that weaves together songs from the 80s, 90s and today. Guests will feel the sonic soundscape in their chests through nearly 1,900 speakers installed inside the recently renovated Globe Theatre.

“There is more rhythmic content in Monster Stomp on Ripper Row than in any other show in the park's lineup,” said Scott Gasparich, Busch Gardens' vice president of Entertainment. “Long-time Monster Stomp fans will recognize aspects of previous shows, but this all-new production is unlike anything we've ever produced for Howl-O-Scream.”

Busch Gardens' original Monster Stomp debuted at the park's Canadian Palladium in 2002 as part of Howl-O-Scream's fourth season. Monster Stomp Revamped opened in 2008 inside the Abbey Stone Theatre. Monster Stomp on Ripper Row resides in the newly renovated Globe Theatre and takes advantage of technology developed for London Rocks™, Busch Gardens' premier summer production. Video mapping technology, 3-D soundscapes and rock-n-roll-style lighting transports guests to London's East End where Jack the Ripper's reign of terror took place in the late 1800s. On-stage illusions, gruesome sound effects and edgy Victorian-era costumes round out this heart-pounding production intended for mature audiences.

“This show is not for the faint of heart. Through the use of special effects and illusion, guests will witness Jack the Ripper’s sinister deeds,” Gasparich said. “Like every aspect of Howl-O-Scream, parents must decide if the show is appropriate for children.”

The thematic elements of Monster Stomp on Ripper Row extend into the park's England village, which transforms into Ripper Row for Howl-O-Scream.

“Ripper Row is Jack the Ripper's domain,” Gasparich said. “Monster Stomp on Ripper Row lets us explore the more frightening aspects of the Terror-tory in ways we can't in the park.”

Monster Stomp on Ripper Row joins two other Howl-O-Scream productions for the 2014 season. Night Beats™ inside Das Festhaus® and Fiends at Abbey Stone Theatre® round out this year's live Howl-O-Scream productions. Up to six daily performances let guests experience the shows before and after Busch Gardens transforms into Howl-O-Scream starting at 6 p.m.

“We are looking forward to introducing guests to another world-class production produced by the talented team of scare experts assembled here at Busch Gardens,” said Park President Carl Lum. “Monster Stomp on Ripper Row is sure to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.”
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream opens Sept. 12. Playing on the popularity of last year’s addition of Terror-tories™, the park’s scare experts are developing a new area in the park’s New France section called Wendigo Woods™. This new Terror-tory™ explores the frightful nature of the unknown.

Wendigo Woods joins the park’s four other Terror-tories, six haunted houses and shows comprising the park's main Howl-O-Scream thrill elements. Other seasonal park offerings include Vampire Vogue™, a new merchandise shop in the Oktoberfest section of the park; dining and spirit options like Pirate Baarrrgh™ in the park’s Italy village and Igor’s Fright Feast™ in Ireland.

Parents and guardians should consider the park’s elevated scare factor when deciding to visit Busch Gardens with young children during Howl-O-Scream. At the stroke of 6 p.m., the ghouls and haunts come out to play and Busch Gardens becomes a seriously scary place.

Guests who want the best deal on Howl-O-Scream tickets can lock in a $10/month annual pass featuring Busch Gardens’ EZ Pay Price Lock Guarantee and enjoy unlimited visits to Busch Gardens this fall and into 2015. An annual pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Pass members also enjoy discounts to Christmas Town and in-park discounts on food and merchandise. Visit www.howloscream.com/va for details.